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I Wish...

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I Wish...

05.05.04 (7:23 pm) [edit]

... I could make my living writing about music. I realize that's a fairly selfish wish. A lot of people would give their right arm just to be able to make their living writing about any thing, while still others just wish they could make a living... who am I to be so picky?? And yet... I still wish it. I think the list of people who get to spend their lives working in a field that revolves around something they are passionate about, (be it music, or art or even salmon), is a short one. But the people on that list are lucky people indeed.

But enough about that.

One tiny little section of music that I am very passionate about is the afore mentioned "dark music with female vocals" genre. I have to admit that I came to this music a little bit late. By the time many of the bands I love most were introduced to me, they had already broken up or were well on their way towards the next phase of their musical evolution... and I never had the chance to see them live. However, there are still many bands out there that are making darkly beautiful music, and as [url=http://shadowmusic.tblog.com]shadowmusic[/url] noted in his comment, there are lots of resources out there if you want to explore this particular genre. (Although I have to say that many of the links on the site he suggested are broken or outdated). Anyhow, in this list, I will introduce those of you who are interested to some of my personal favorites.

Here goes...

[url=http://www.lovespiralsdownwar...]Love Spirals Downwards: [/url] People who love music, often talk about songs/bands who changed their lives. The song "Avincenna," from LSD's [u]Ardor[/u] album was like that for me. In fact, LSD was really the first band from this genre with whom I fell in love. I can still remember hearing that song for the first time... pushing the homemade tape (which I still have by the way) into the cassette player in my car and literally having to pull over on the side of the road to listen to it. Amazing. LSD made several incredible albums, but [u]Ardor[/u] will always be my favorite. Of their first album [u]Idylls[/u], one reviewer wrote: "Heavenly and reverberant, with highly processed acoustic and electric guitars coalescing gracefully around [Suzanne] Perry's angelic vox, Lum's heavenly keyboards, and occasional hand percussion and rhythm programming." Unfortunately, lead singer Suzanne Perry left LSD a couple of years ago. Ryan Lum (the other half of the band) continued with a new vocalist and new name Love Spirals (original, huh?) but things were bever really the same. Despite the band's meltdown, their site is still fairly comprehensive and includes several sample tracks. So... if you're at all interested in this type of music, LSD is a good place to start.

[url=www.chandeen.com]Chandeen:[/url]One of the more distinct bands within this genre, Chandeen epitomizes the exquisite sorrow that typifies much of gothic/ethereal music. Even though they recently broke up (did you know this, Jonathan?????) they released 6 full length albums during their twelve year life span. With two female vocalists, Chandeen has made some of the most haunting and mournful music I have ever heard. Excellent stuff.

[url=http://www.clairevoyant.com/]Claire Voyant: [/url] Personally, I don't think CV have given their fans much to listen to after their debut. But that debut was so fantastic, that I have been willing to forgive the two subsequent disappointments. (Ok, the second album wasn't *that* bad). Victoria Lloyd's voice is so powerful and gripping that it requires little production assistance to achieve the haunting and dreamy quality that is the staple of this type of music. I'm just waiting for them to realize that they got it right the first time, and go back to making the kind of music they were meant to make.

[url=http://www.stoa.de/index.html...]Stoa:[/url] Even though *somebody* told me that I should not include this band on my list, I am going to rebel and put them on here anyway. Is their music dark? Well... I suppose that is open to interpretation. However, I would classify much of it as such, particularly on their last album [u]Zal[/u] which was released in 03 and about which I [url=http://www.losingtoday.com/re...]wrote a review [/url] for LT some time ago. (One side note, I just realized that Stoa linked to my review on their page, so now I feel like a super star!). Anyway, this is neoclassical music at it's best with somber cello and soaring vocals. Beautiful.

[url=http://www.obscure.org/~dew/Siddal/Siddal.html]Siddal: [/url] Now this is a band that I would just LOVE to hear more from... but they seem to have disappeared from the face of the earth. (Although I hear they are opening for Strange Boutique in DC on July 3rd, so I may have to find a way to be there). Anyway, "Oil Spills" from the [url=]Mystery and The Sea[/url] EP is truly one of my favorite songs. With typically electronic arrangments and delicate female vocals, their music always reminds me of winter... a bit bleak, a bit frozen, abundently beautiful.

[url=http://www.projekt.com/projek...]Faith and Disease:[/url] Now here's a band that has gotten better with age and for whom I have gained more respect over the last couple of years. Not only were their last two releases their best yet, but I saw them live a couple of years back, and they put on a very good show despite having to do so under some not so great circumstances. F&D certainly has a folk edge... but there is definitely some gothic roots to their music. (Another side note, and I SWEAR I did not plan this, I just discovered that F&D linked to my review of their last CD [u]Passport to Kunming[/u] on their site as well!)

Rosewater Elizabeth: This is another band that faded after an incredible debut. [u]Faint[/u] which was (barely) released in 1994, remains the better of their two releases. The description of the band on the link above is pretty minimal, and yet acurate, although I would add that a couple of tracks definitely include some elements of world music. Ha! Now that I think about it, this CD may have been the very first item I ever purchased on eBay. :) Anyway, it is a GREAT album with SEVERAL stellar tracks that show off the considerable talent of lead vocalist Melissa Mileski. Unfortunately, this was not to be repeated and members of the band went onto other projects, but with limited notice. I will always adore this album, however, and secretely wish that they had signed to [url=www.projekt.com]projekt records[/url] early on, as they seem a perfect match for this label.

[url=http://www.azureraymusic.com/...]Azure Ray:[/url] Anyone who has been reading this site regularly knows that this band is my latest obsession. To me, Azure Ray epitomizes the perfect mixture of sad lyrics and ethereal elements tossed around with some occasionally folk/occasionally goth arrangements. One reviewer said of the band: "Similar to Angelo Badalamenti's music from Twin Peaks, their songs are dark and moody, sounding equally influenced by New Wave pop and Midwestern Americana. Atop this are incredibly soft female vocals, sounding so light and airy that it contrasts with the music, giving the music's morose feeling a pop aura. " I ask you, could anything be more yummy? I seriously love this band.

Ok... that is where this list ends. At least for the moment. I'm sure other bands will come to mind, and I may update this later. I also think that I will soon just do a "female vocalist" post, because a lot of bands nearly made it to the tip of my fingers this time around, before I ultimately decided that they didn't *quite* meet the "dark" requirement. In the meantime, thanks to everyone who played along... my appreciation for your comments (always) never ends.

posted by: qutepie2 (reply)
post date: 05.05.04 (5:33 pm)

Why don't you make a living writing music? Heck, I've learned more from you about music then anybody or anything. You got talent, girl. Use it.

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 05.05.04 (5:44 pm)

Reply to: qutepie2

#1 That is super nice. Thank you.

#2 So far... not a lot of folks are knocking on my door saying please, please write for us!

#3 However, WHEN they do, I'll be certain to put you down as a reference. :)

posted by: qutepie2 (reply)
post date: 05.05.04 (5:47 pm)

Reply to: juniperflux
Have you gone out looking for someone to write for? Maybe you can freelance?

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 05.05.04 (5:49 pm)

Reply to: qutepie2

I do a little bit of that now... but for a magazine that is fairly inconsistent in terms of publishing. I wouldn't even know where to begin looking to do more of it. I sort of lucked into the gig I have now. Wow! You're really making me think about this though!!! :)

posted by: qutepie2 (reply)
post date: 05.05.04 (5:52 pm)

Reply to: juniperflux
DO IT!!!!!!! Don't you think you will kick yoursellf later? Don't you think you will have a lot of 'what ifs' floating in your mind?

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 05.07.04 (3:32 am)

Reply to: KRAZEDONE

Thanks for the tip! :)

posted by: SoulSeeker (reply)
post date: 05.08.04 (11:22 am)

posted by: SoulSeeker (reply)
post date: 05.08.04 (11:24 am)

GAR!!! DAMN keyboard.. Juniperflux I'm sooo sorry.. about that. I'm not used to these Tiny Dell keyboards, and I was leaning on my elbow, and the damn thing hit enter REPEATEDLY....

I Kept wondering how come it was refreshing all the time... o.o;

Oh well.. gomen ne...
Actually I do agree with qutepie2. *claps* Now I must go..

Gomen Nasai about the multiple LONG freaking blank entries.. x.x

posted by: jonathan (reply)
post date: 05.08.04 (12:45 pm)

appreciate the props. Chandeen actually had 3 girl during their existance. You spelled never wrong also, but that's ok. How did you find out about azure ray? joke.

posted by: SheSpecies (reply)
post date: 05.08.04 (1:46 pm)

This is so cool. I'm excited cause I haven't heard of a lot of these artists! I really love dark female vocalists...except Evanescence. I hate that bubblegum dark shit.

BTW, I think you could totally make a living writing about music. You need a magazine. Know anyone who could help you produce such a thing??

posted by: SheSpecies (reply)
post date: 05.08.04 (1:48 pm)

Reply to: SoulSeeker
Hahahaha That was all so comical.

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 05.08.04 (5:00 pm)

Reply to: SoulSeeker

Ok... you're crazy! :)

Thanks for the comment(s)!

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 05.08.04 (5:01 pm)

Reply to: jonathan

Where did I spell "never" wrong??? Anyway ~ I bet you didn't eve get half the "props" that are hidden in this post, dork.

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 05.08.04 (5:04 pm)

Reply to: SheSpecies

Thanks for the nice comments! I am not at all a fan of Evanescence either... but if people like 'em... that's cool.

As for writing... I do a little bit for an indie magazine right now, but it's hit or miss in terms of doing it often. I'd like to do more, but I haven't really found the right avenue yet. :|

As always, thanks for the comments!

posted by: SheSpecies (reply)
post date: 05.08.04 (11:23 pm)

Reply to: juniperflux
Which Indie mag are you writing for? I'd love to see it some time.

It'd be cool if you could start a mag of your own. I bet you could get a grant for something like that.

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 05.09.04 (10:29 am)

Reply to: SheSpecies

Gosh... I wouldn't even know where to begin with such a thing. I love writing, but I can't imagine handling the business aspects that go along with that kind of project. The magazine I write for occasionally is called Losing Today. A link to their site is at the top-left of this page.

As always, thanks for the nice comments! :)

posted by: jonathan (reply)
post date: 05.09.04 (11:38 am)

Unfortunately, lead singer Suzanne Perry left LSD a couple of years ago. Ryan Lum (the other half of the band) continued with a new vocalist and new name Love Spirals (original, huh?) but things were bever really the same.

posted by: SheSpecies (reply)
post date: 05.09.04 (3:13 pm)

Reply to: juniperflux
Oh yeah, you'd definitely need a business partner to get it going...but it's always a nice dream, you just might meet the person, ya know? ;-)

I'll check out that link! Thanks so much. Hope you're having a great weekend!

posted by: SoulSeeker (reply)
post date: 05.09.04 (11:59 pm)

I'm comical and crazy now.. (well Crazy I knew..but comical?)

Oddness...

posted by: macki (reply)
post date: 05.10.04 (10:09 am)

hi there
this is the first time i've entered this blog, and i must say that it was almost an accident, but what a good accident it turned out to be.
right now i am trying to experiment as many types of bands and styles of music as i can, and i will surely look into the bands that you recommended. about that part of being able to do a thing that makes you passionate, i think that a little luck has something to do with it, but i also think that it requires lots of determination. perphaps i am only saying this because i am one that also wants to write for magazines, especially critics of books and music. i must apologize also if my speeling or my grammar is not all that, i'm from brazil and i do not have as many chances as i would like of training my english. and i also think that, reading what you have on your blog, you really write very well.
i guess thats all, bye

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 05.10.04 (3:25 pm)

Reply to: macki

Hi Macki,

Thanks for your nice comments! I think you are absolutely right that determination is a HUGE part of getting where you want to be in life. I wish you all the best in your pursuits! What kind of music do you listen to?

posted by: macki (reply)
post date: 05.10.04 (9:25 pm)

Reply to: juniperflux
hi juniperflux
u'r welcome. well, i cannot think only one kind of music that i like, specially now...i can say that i am really liking of many bands of indie pop and indie rock, like frente! or the cardigans. i�m also into some differente bands, like paris combo, which i really cannot say exactly what kind of music it is. as for my favorite band in the moment, i must say the style council, i really really recomend, altough it does not have female leading vocals, which i normally prefer. by the way, which of chandeen's musics do u recommend?
and thanks, all the best for you too
bye

posted by: brogonzo (reply)
post date: 05.11.04 (12:11 pm)

First, you are definitely cut out for being a professional music journalist, and two, we need an update! Your fans are crying out.

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 05.11.04 (11:11 pm)

Reply to: macki

Macki... I have a hard time defining the music I love too. There is just too much good music out there to stay pinned down to one type. As for your questions regarding Chandeen... see above. :)

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 05.11.04 (11:12 pm)

Reply to: brogonzo

*giggle* @ fans.... All I can say is be careful what you wish for. :)

Thanks for the compliment though.

posted by: ScarlettGKPi (reply)
post date: 05.12.04 (12:34 pm)

You have such a way with writing about music..the band...the artist behind the lyrics and how they apply to individual lives. I love this blog and always enjoy reading it. You have a serious talent. PLease know that!

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 05.12.04 (2:48 pm)

Reply to: ScarlettGKPi

Wow, Scarlett ~ THANKS SO MUCH for the nice comments! :) I'm glad you enjoy the blog. I really get a kick out of doing it.

j